Interview with Keith Bradshaw at IALD Enlighten Americas: Lighting the SKP Chengdu Project
At the IALD Enlighten Americas conference, Randy Reid, editor of designing lighting (dl) magazine, interviewed Keith Bradshaw from Spears Major Architecrual Lighting as he received an Award of Merit. Keith’s lighting project, SKP Chengdu, received an Award of Merit. During the interview, Keith shared the challenges, lighting innovations, and design approaches used to enhance the user experience.
Introduction to the SKP Shendo Project
0:07
Keith explained that SKP Shendo was like two projects in one. The top part is a public park, while the lower part houses a sunken retail environment. These distinct areas required different lighting strategies, adding complexity to the overall design.
Designing the Park – A Community Focus
1:05
The upper park is open 24 hours a day and free for public use. It’s designed specifically for the people of Chengdu. Instead of a uniform lighting approach, the park features around 10 unique zones. Each area has a different lighting design to offer visitors a variety of experiences.
Lighting Concepts for the Park
1:30
To avoid a standard design with common bollard or pole lighting, the team created custom fixtures. These featured large luminous panels that made the park feel dynamic and immersive. Each zone had a focal point, such as a water fountain or a staircase, guiding the flow of visitors.
Lighting Temperature and Controls
2:11
The general lighting temperature for the park was about 3,000 Kelvin, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, control systems were in place to dim the lights during quieter periods. This helped conserve energy while maintaining a pleasant ambiance for visitors.
Lighting the Sunken Plaza – Blending Nature with Retail
2:35
In the lower section, visitors move naturally from the park to a sunken retail plaza. This space includes many stores, with facade lighting that highlights the architecture. The lighting also draws people into the space, making it easy to transition from the outdoor park to the retail environment.
Lighting Temperature and Design Challenges in the Retail Space
3:06
For the retail area, they used golden lighting to complement the bronze materials. More vibrant colors were added in the younger, fast-fashion sections. Keith mentioned that the biggest challenge was completing the project during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overcoming COVID-19 Challenges
3:35
Despite the pandemic, the project was completed within three years. This was a significant achievement, especially considering the complexity of designing and building remotely. The team navigated online communication and potential supply chain disruptions to finish on time.
Keith Bradshaw’s lighting design for the SKP Chengdu project blends public and retail spaces seamlessly. His team created a dynamic environment that adapts to the needs of its users. Despite the difficulties posed by COVID-19, they successfully completed the project, showing their resilience and creativity.
Read about one of the IALD Enlighten Americas Session: Achieving Transparency in the Lighting Industry